To find the perimeter of the given shape, we add up the lengths of all its outer sides.

Given:

The sides of the shape are:

• $2 \, \text{cm}$
• $8 \, \text{cm}$
• $12 \, \text{cm}$
• $3 \, \text{cm}$
• $8 \, \text{cm}$ (parallel to the other 8 cm side)
• $12 \, \text{cm}$ (parallel to the other 12 cm side)

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Steps:

Add all the sides together: $\text{Perimeter} = 2 + 8 + 12 + 3 + 8 + 12$

$\text{Perimeter} = 45 \, \text{cm}$

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Final Answer:

The perimeter of the shape is 45 cm.

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Related Questions:

1. How do you calculate the perimeter of a complex shape with missing sides?
2. How can you find the area of a similar L-shaped figure?
3. How do parallel sides help in calculating missing dimensions?
4. What is the difference between perimeter and area?
5. How do you use coordinate geometry to find the perimeter of shapes?

Tip:

When calculating the perimeter of shapes with multiple sides, always double-check that all sides are accounted for to avoid errors.